Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has intensified efforts to attract investors for the development of the state’s abundant solid mineral resources and other key sectors. According to the Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, during a radio interview on Classic FM 94.3 Abuja, the Governor’s initiatives aim to position Kogi as an economic hub. “The Governor is actively fostering collaborations with federal agencies, international organizations, and private investors to harness the state’s resources for development,” Isah said.
Speaking further, Hon. Isah revealed that discussions with notable Kogi stakeholders and private investors are already yielding positive results. “One of the major projects under consideration is the establishment of an Industrial Park with Free Trade Zone status,” he disclosed. He also stated that the Federal Government has approved the Kogi State International Airport, while a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with NEXIM Bank for the development of agricultural processing facilities for both export and local use.
Governor Ododo’s administration is also making strides in food security and price stabilization. Hon. Isah explained, “By encouraging farming and purchasing crops directly from farmers, the government has provided processing facilities that ensure surplus production, contributing to the significant reduction in food prices across the state.” He emphasized that these measures are designed to boost local economies and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
Security remains a top priority for the Ododo administration, with significant investments being made in modern gadgets, vehicles, and motorcycles for hunters, vigilantes, and conventional security agencies. “The government is collaborating with neighboring states to combat crime and ensure Kogi remains a safe haven for residents and investors,” Hon. Isah said. He added that these initiatives have strengthened the state’s ability to tackle crime effectively and secure lives and properties.
The administration has also focused heavily on improving education. Hon. Isah noted, “Over N600 million has been released for the payment of WAEC fees, and the bursary program for indigent students in tertiary institutions has been restructured to benefit more students.” He further highlighted the provision of free education in public primary and secondary schools as a testament to the Governor’s commitment to youth empowerment and educational development.
One remarkable hallmark of Governor Ododo’s administration is its emphasis on project continuity. “Governor Ododo has prioritized the completion of projects from the past administration to ensure resources are not wasted, a challenge many governments face,” said Hon. Ismaila Isah. He cited the 9-kilometer GYB Junction-Zango-Zone 8 Road and the 5.5-kilometer Crusher-Zone 8 Road as examples of completed infrastructure projects, both of which are ready for commissioning.
